Cristiano Ronaldo has been labelled as the special football of his generation by his mentor and father figure Sir Alex Ferguson. Ferguson managed Manchester United for 26 years and was also the one who brought in Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2003/04 season from Sporting CP. The rest, as they say, is history.
Ronaldo won three Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy in his time at Real Madrid, after spending six extremely healthy and successful years under Ferguson at Old Trafford. He further added a La Liga titles and two more Champions League title with Real Madrid.
According to Ferguson, it is Ronaldo’s athleticism over a sustained period of time that makes the player stand above the other players. His sheer dedication and hard work are what sets him apart. “He has an incredibly athletic body. His performance improvement is incredible.” He further added: “And what is remarkable is that today's football is so athletic, so fast,” the former manager exclaimed.
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Reflecting on the time Ronaldo and Ferguson spent together as sorcerer and apprentice, he spoke about his hunger and desire to play to win and become the best player in the world. He said: “He has an incredible desire for football," the former United manager added. "Cristiano looks forward to each workout. He always wants to be better, to win. He especially loves these big games.”
He also spoke that usually, athleticism provides top players with only five to six years to play at the highest level, after which it ends. But Ronaldo has been doing for more than a decade, which makes him exceptional.
The great Scot said: “During my time at Manchester United, Cristiano was the player who was the best and most developed. Through much hard work, he constantly trained his shooting technique, with the right and left, his heading ability, his bounce.” He signed off by saying: “Every generation has its special footballer, Cristiano is currently.”
The Real Madrid forward recently completed the European double as he won both the Champions League and the Euro 2016; his first international trophy with Portugal. He ended the tournament with three goals and three assists while taking 46 shots in the process.
The forward is currently on an extended vacation due to his participation in the Euros and a serious knee injury he picked up in the final of the tournament. This makes his participation in the pre-season fixtures with Real Madrid doubtful at best.
